What to Expect From Plastic Surgery at Any Age

by
April Maguire

For the last several years, plastic surgery has steadily increased in popularity, and research shows that during that time the average age of cosmetic surgery patients has increased as well. Believe it or not, age is not usually a limiting factor when it comes to being a viable candidate for plastic surgery. Instead, the much more relevant factors are overall health and the existence of pre-existing conditions.

Before performing any procedure, plastic surgeons will perform a physical examination to make sure that you're healthy enough for surgery. But before you go under the knife, it's important to have a good understanding of what procedures work best for your age group and also what the limitations of cosmetic surgery might be for someone your age.

50 & Over

For people in their 50s, 60s and beyond, surgical lifts are the name of the game. Many patients in this age range are looking to get rid of the sagging skin of their necks, and neck lifts provide a relatively simple solution to that problem. Additionally, facelifts are becoming increasingly popular with older patients, and new techniques are allowing plastic surgeons to make facelifts look more natural than ever before. But beware: cosmetic surgeons are not miracle workers. On average, facelifts and neck lifts take roughly ten years off of your appearance; so don't expect to look like you did when you were 30.

40 to 50

This time in life is when many people start to notice deep lines and wrinkles settling into their faces, which is why fat transfers are incredibly popular with the 40 to 50 crowd. During a fat transfer procedure, small amounts of fat are liposuctioned out of one area, such as the thigh or stomach, and then injected into the face to push out wrinkles. Typically, the effects of a fat transfer procedure last far longer than other injectables, such as Botox, and the recovery time is under two weeks.

Under 40

For most people under the age of 40, prevention is far more important than surgical enhancement. At this stage in life, the majority of people can still fight off lines and wrinkles by sticking to a strict skincare regimen. But if moisturizer, sunscreen and a good night's sleep aren't getting the job done, most plastic surgeons recommend starting slow with fillers like Botox or Xeomin before resorting to full-blown surgery.

Between the advances in modern medicine and people living healthy, active lifestyles well into their 60s and 70s, plastic surgery is becoming an option for patients of any age. If you're thinking about undergoing cosmetic surgery, talk to your doctor about your risk factors and whether or not surgical enhancement is right for you.

If you or someone you know would like to learn more about plastic surgery, please feel free to schedule a consultation or contact one of our representatives today!